Chrissy Mauck, of SF49ers.com, reports San Francisco 49ers RB DeShaun Foster said he is excited to play a significant role in Week 15 if RB Frank Gore (ankle) is not able to play. "I'm excited to go," said Foster. "I have to get in there and carry the load like Frank does. He's a good back, so our offense kind of runs around him. I just want to keep it going and run hard."

Stan Olson, of the Charlotte Observer, reports Carolina Panthers RB DeShaun Foster rushed for 62 yards on five carries in the team's preseason game against the New York Giants. Foster, working behind the team's new zone-blocking technique, was able to show his vision and cutback skills on runs of 9, 15 and 31 yards during the game. Foster was one of the players that team owner Jerry Richardson invited to his lake house in June to encourage to take on a larger leadership role. Foster wasn't ready to say he is one of those leaders yet but said he is a veteran now and has younger players behind him so he is trying to lead by example.

ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli reports Carolina Panthers RB DeShaun Foster remains the team's unquestioned No. 1 running back entering the 2007 season. He started a career-high 14 games last season but has a long list of previous injuries on his resume. Foster, who is expected to share time with RB DeAngelo Williams this season, seems to be more productive when sharing the workload.

Carolina Panthers RB DeShaun Foster (elbow) practiced Thursday, Nov. 30, and is questionable for Week 13. Foster will likely return to his starting role this week, but RB DeAngelo Williams is likely to receive considerable playing time as well.